Mariah Lucas

NOURISHING STOMACHS AND NOURISHING MINDS

FOR A VERY LONG TIME, our communities have been in pain, through our ancestors and our healings through the generations. I am a resilient Inuvialuit woman who had lost her voice to communicate with her ancestors. I strongly believe that our mental health is at its best when we are out on the land—living and learning about who we used to be. We must get youth gathered with Elders and unite to hear stories of long ago. We must also learn to survive and support ourselves: camping, filleting fish, making dry meat, sewing, flushing skin, fishing, and experiencing the outdoors in our own land. I am privileged today to say my parents were able to give me all of these things growing up.

Drum dancing should also be a part of all youth’s lives in the six Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR) communities, in order for them to be able to gather together and dance. We can help support each community with good time gatherings, where we (as the community) gather together to host dances, feasts and traditional games. The more our youth learn about who they can become, the more they will be encouraged and motivated to practice their culture and spark new beginnings of our ways.

Each community in the ISR has different difficulties to face. Our main goal should be to nourish our minds and fill our stomachs with good laughs and dependable caregivers. I think those who are not able to go hunting (like our Elders) should be able to get a chance to experience an old memory again. They should be able to go to a cabin for a day and show us (the Youth) how to cook, clean, and more importantly, how to understand our language. These Elders are our last strands of knowing our language, and us Youth should be able to learn as much as we can so we can keep passing it on to future generations.

Inuvialuktun name: Paniguk (Bah-nee-gook)

Parents: John Lucas Sr. & Samantha Lucas

Grandparents: Wallace and Ruth Lucas and for my mothers side is Burtrum and Lena Pokiak.

Siblings: (sisters) Kimberley Lucas, Lisa Lucas, Shelby lucas, Calysta Sky Lucas-Kudlak and Casydie Kudlak. (brothers) John Lucas Jr. Tony Lucas Sr, Trevor Lucas, Ryan Lucas, Ry-Ry Lucas

Pets: 4 dogs and 2 puppies

Dream job: to become a hunter

Dream vacation: to be able to drive at the end of Banks Island with a quad during summer times, as it is beautiful

My dad, John Lucas Sr. He is an amazing hunter and a very amazing person. He has taught and helped me become who I am.

Inuvialuktun word? Una Kiinara (this is my face)

Country food? No doubt—drymeat

Northern Sport? Muskox pull

Traditional clothing? ugyuk bottom shoes, mother hubboard parka

Animal? nanook

Hobby? travelling

Vehicle? truck (aqsaliaq)

Colour? purple

Song? Sign of the Times, Harry Styles

Team? Tuk Hockey

Quote? "For long you live and high you fly. For thoughts you give and tears you cry. For all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be."

Most people know I can draw. Others see me sewing!